Use of an Ohm Meter is the best, and only way I can think of, to test any kind of short circuits. Since you used the word track in the question I'm guessing this is a model train problem. The first thing to do is check the voltage at the transformer (electrical source). Then check the Ohms of each track. This will tell which track has the short. Moving one test lead up the track should locate the short. I the train doesn't move when the power is applied, the problem is probably a broker solder point.
You can check if it is shorted, but without coordinating the gate and anode voltages with the cathode, you cannot test a thyrister (SCR) with a multimeter. Check it out of circuit for shorts, then check the circuit, then test it in operation. Anything more advanced will require an oscilloscope.
An open circuit essentially has an infinite resistance. It is shown on digital multimeter as OL. (Open Line) A short circuit should read zero, or nearly zero, depending on the accuracy of the meter.
tuned circuit
Normally it is Red but not 100% of the time. Always check with a multimeter.
A multimeter, often referred to as a "colomb meter" in some contexts, can measure voltage (volts) and resistance (ohms) among other electrical parameters. To measure voltage, you set the multimeter to the voltage setting and connect the probes across the component or circuit. For measuring resistance, you switch to the ohms setting and connect the probes to the resistor or circuit section. Always ensure the circuit is powered off when measuring resistance to avoid damage to the multimeter.
To check for power in a circuit using a multimeter, set the multimeter to the voltage setting, connect the black probe to the ground and the red probe to the positive terminal of the circuit, and read the voltage displayed on the multimeter. This will show if there is power flowing through the circuit.
To test for a short circuit in a circuit, you can use a multimeter set to measure resistance. Disconnect the power source, then place the multimeter probes at different points in the circuit. If the resistance reading is very low or zero, it indicates a short circuit.
To check for power in a circuit using a multimeter, set the multimeter to the voltage setting, connect the black probe to the ground and the red probe to the live wire, and read the voltage displayed on the multimeter. Make sure the circuit is turned on and be cautious of electrical hazards.
To check frequency with a multimeter, set the multimeter to the frequency measurement mode. Connect the probes to the circuit or signal you want to measure. The multimeter will display the frequency in hertz (Hz) on the screen.
To test for continuity in an electrical circuit using a multimeter, set the multimeter to the continuity or resistance setting. Then, touch the probes to the two points in the circuit you want to test. If there is continuity, the multimeter will beep or show a low resistance reading. If there is no continuity, the multimeter will not beep or show a high resistance reading.
To check for voltage in a circuit, use a multimeter set to the voltage measurement setting. Connect the black probe to the ground and the red probe to the point where you want to measure the voltage. The multimeter will display the voltage reading.
With the multimeter you can measure the voltage on parts of the circuit board. You can also measure the resistance of resistors and make sure there are no short circuits in the circuit.
You can check if it is shorted, but without coordinating the gate and anode voltages with the cathode, you cannot test a thyrister (SCR) with a multimeter. Check it out of circuit for shorts, then check the circuit, then test it in operation. Anything more advanced will require an oscilloscope.
If is being used as an ohmmeter it usually means an open circuit. A switch may be open, or a wire is broken (not a short circuit)
To test a circuit with a multimeter, set the multimeter to the appropriate setting (voltage, resistance, or continuity), connect the probes to the circuit's components, and read the measurement displayed on the multimeter. Make sure the circuit is not powered on when testing for resistance or continuity.
To check volts on a multimeter, set the dial to the voltage setting, connect the red probe to the positive terminal and the black probe to the negative terminal of the circuit or component you want to measure. Read the voltage displayed on the multimeter screen.
To check voltage with a multimeter, set the dial to the voltage setting, connect the red probe to the positive terminal and the black probe to the negative terminal of the circuit or component you want to test. Read the voltage displayed on the multimeter screen.